FBYC Spring Series racers got in three races on this past Saturday.  Action will continue on this coming Saturday, May 18^th, as Day 4 of the 2013 series takes place.  For all the race by race details and to figure the current standings, please go to www.fbyc.net and click on the applicable results.

PHRF of the CHESAPEAKE Update:  The difficulty our friends at PHRF have had this year with the ratings database is not news.  However, they have been working away at it and now have more than 400 of the 2013 ratings processed.  So, if you have not applied for renewal (whether you received a renewal reminder notice or not), you need to do so. The easiest way to renew is to go to  www.phrfchesbay.org   and click on  “Application and Renewal” – you can even pay there.  Straightforward renewals are going through more quickly because the handicappers do not have to be involved in the process, as happens when there are changes to the boat, sails, etc.   You can also check out the updated Valid List at the website.

CAPE HENRY CUP, May 18^th – THIS COMING SATURDAY.  The plan is to start off Buckroe and finish between R-22 and the designated point on the Ft Monroe shore. The first flag is at 0930 and the Cruising Class starts first.  The complete Notice of Race, including a description of the possible courses, boats entered to date, and course alternatives, is available at the Broad Bay Sailing Association website at http://www.broadbaysailing.org/racing/results/race.asp?raceid=%7B9E0DA759%2D73E8%2D77D2%2D128F%2DB993D6145F36%7D#     For information, please contact Scott Almond at 757-471-2663.  This is a long standing middle distance race that is included in the BBSA administered Southern Bay Distance Racing Series.  Course options range from 27.4 nm to 9.2 nm.   Which courses are to be sailed will be posted on the race committee signal boat prior to the start on Saturday morning.  Deadline for entries is 1200 hours, Friday, May 17.  Entry Fee = $25 (make check payable to BBSA); mail CBYRA standard entry form and fee to: Scott Almond, 2236 Welsh Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. On line registration is available at the above BBSA link.   BBSA Cape Henry Cup Awards Pot Luck Supper – 6:30pm, Tuesday, May 21^st  at ODU Sailing Center.

SOUTHERN BAY RACE WEEK update. (May 31, June 1, and June 2)   The latest SBRW entries include two out-of-state boats:  Tim Askew’s San Juan 34, Ace in the Hole, will be coming up from Elizabeth City to race in the PHRF B fleet.  Tim is the current commodore of Pasquotank River Yacht Club. It is likely that fellow Elizabeth City resident and well know southern Bay racer Chuck Monsees will be on the Ace’s crew.  Coming down from Severna Park, Maryland, is Ed Tracey’s Omega 36, Incommunicado.  The Tracey/Polk (MRSA) team will also be racing in the SBRW PHRF B fleet.  In addition, Rob Whittet and Steve Utley are bringing Wavelength, a C&C 37 based at Fishing Bay and will be on the line in the PHRF A fleet.  M.D. Riley returns to SBRW with his Morgan 35, Turbo’s Tub and will race in the PHRF Non-Spin fleet.  M.D. is from Norfolk and is a member of BBSA.       For information, entry forms, schedules, etc, please visit www.blacksealcup.com or contact Lin McCarthy at 757-850-4225 or mcbear@earthlink.net. The SBRW TOWNEBANK TORNADO DISCOUNT ($40 reduction to entry fee) may still be claimed by returnees from SBRW 2011 and/or 2012. Entry fees= $150 (USSA members)/$155 (non-mems) for PHRF and ONE-DESIGN;  $99 for CRUISING Fleet.  Additional $50 late fee after May 24^th.    Parties, awards and knock your socks off racing - three different venues and three different formats on three different days. [Thur, May 30 - Opening Night Welcome and Check-in (LF Edwards DJ); Fri, May 31 – PHRF and OD classes racing in the Harbor (HOTCAKES BAND); June 1, Sat – PHRF, OD and CRUISING mid-distance race in the Bay (PHOEBUS RIO BAND); June 2, Sun – PHRF, OD, and CRUISING racing off Ocean View, final awards (LF EDWARDS DJ) ] Y’all come racin’!  

The article/link in the previous Monday issue 639  of SBRNYCU regarding the “hapless Catalina 22 . . .” brought chuckles,  howls and groans of dismay for loyal Catalina owners.  One mentioned the sinking of a J24 on a sunny day and wondered how that account escaped publication.  So, here’s the link.  http://www.j24blog.com/2008/07/07/uk-nationals-delinquent-down/  NOTE the date – July 7, 2008.  That’s an almost  5 year reach!

A long neck heads-up!  This concerns an event that is a long way off, but it is important racers be aware of significant changes.  The Hospice Turkey Shoot Regatta (October 11-13, 2013) will be at Rappahannock River Yacht Club on Carter’s Creek off the Rappahannock River this year.  The socializing will take place in the regatta tent at Rappahannock Yachts (Sanders Yacht Yards) next door to RRYC in Irvington.  For details and to enter, contact Ullman Sails Virginia (registration sponsor) at (804) 776-6151.

Coming up this weekend:

May 18             RRYC Spring Regatta

May 18             FBYC Spring Series #4

May 18             BBSA Cape Henry Cup (see above)

 Coming Up for MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND:

Friday, May 24             Start of the 64^th DOWN THE BAY RACE, www.hamptonyc.com

Saturday, May 25         Fishing Bay to Urbanna Race, www.fbyc.net   

MURPHY'S LAW:   Thoughts and prayers for Artemis Racing’s Andrew Simpson.  Andrew died doing what he loved – pushing the envelope, and beyond.  Rest in peace, Andrew.  “Home is the sailor, home from the sea . . .”  /S/  Murphy the Racing Beagle, the sailing spirit in us all.